Metacam® Oral Suspension (Brand)

What is Metacam Oral Suspension?
Metacam is used to reduce inflammation and pain associated with arthritis.

Who is it for?
Metacam is for dogs. The safe use of Metacam in dogs less than 6 months of age and in pregnant, breeding, or nursing dogs has not been evaluated.

What are the benefits?

Metacam is easy to dose, because of the convenient graduated oral syringe. Metacam is the only non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) available for use as a liquid, which allows for easy and accurate dosing for dogs of all sizes.

Arthritis cannot be cured, but the combination of a healthy lifestyle, weight, joint care supplements, and the appropriate NSAID can help your dog live the quality of life he deserves.

How does Metacam work?
Metacam is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). These types of drugs inhibit the cell's production of chemicals that trigger inflammation. Various NSAIDs work differently on different dogs, so if you think your dog is suffering from the pain of arthritis, discuss the use of a NSAID, including Metacam, with your veterinarian.

Is there a generic equivalent available?
No.

How is it given?
Always follow the dosage instructions provided by your veterinarian. If you have difficulty giving the medication, contact your veterinarian.

Metacam is an oral product to be given by mouth. Shake the oral suspension well before use and measure the dose using the syringe provided by the manufacturer. To prevent accidental overdosing of small dogs, administer drops on food only, never directly into the mouth.

For long-term treatment, use the lowest dose needed to provide relief. For arthritic conditions, it may need to be given periodically for the animal's lifetime.

What results can I expect?
Metacam does not cure arthritis but can effectively manage symptoms of pain and inflammation. The response varies from dog to dog but can be dramatic. Pain relieving effects can generally be seen within hours of giving Metacam. Improvement of inflammation can generally be seen after several days. Since Metacam is not a cure for arthritis, the signs may come back if Metacam is discontinued.

What form(s) does it come in?
Metacam is available as an oral suspension.

Please click on "More Information" for possible drug and food interactions with this medication.

Pronunciation
MET-uh-kam

Common Drug Name
Meloxicam

What should I discuss with my veterinarian while considering Metacam?
Talk to your veterinarian about what tests and exams may be necessary while your pet is taking Metacam. Also discuss how long the treatment period will be and what type of outcome is expected. You and your veterinarian should talk about any other treatment options that are recommended for your pet. For arthritic pets, weight loss programs, exercise programs, supplements, and other aids may be helpful.

Tell your veterinarian if your dog is experiencing any vomiting or diarrhea, has liver or kidney disease, has a bleeding disorder, may be pregnant or is nursing, or if you intend to breed your dog.

Notify your veterinarian of any other medications or supplements your dog is taking, and also if your dog has had any reactions to previous medications.

What should I do if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, give it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to the regular schedule. Do not give two doses at once. This medication should only be given to the pet for whom it was prescribed.

What is the most important information I should know?
Your pet will need certain laboratory tests and exams while taking Metacam. Give Metacam exactly as your veterinarian directs. Be aware of the common side effects of this medication. Notify your veterinarian immediately if any side effects are observed.

Who should not take it?
Not for use in animals who are hypersensitive (allergic) to meloxicam (Metacam), carprofen (Rimadyl), aspirin, etodolac (EtoGesic), deracoxib (Deramaxx), firocoxib (Previcox), tepoxalin (Zubrin), or other NSAIDs. Use with extreme caution and continued monitoring in geriatric animals and those with dehydration, diabetes mellitus, or stomach, intestinal, liver, heart, and blood disorders.

The safe use of Metacam in dogs less than 6 months of age and in pregnant, breeding, or nursing dogs has not been evaluated. Metacam is not recommended for dogs with bleeding disorders.

What side effects may be seen when taking Metacam? [Back]
The most common side effect of NSAIDs is stomach upset, but stomach ulcers may develop, in which case you may see loss of appetite; vomiting; diarrhea; dark, tarry or, bloody stools; or constipation. Side effects involving the kidney include increased thirst and urination, or changes in the urine color or smell. Side effects involving the liver include jaundice (yellowing of the gums, skin, or eyes). Other side effects may include pale gums, lethargy, shedding, incoordination, seizures, or behavioral changes. If any of these side effects are observed, stop treatment and contact your veterinarian.

If your pet experiences an allergic reaction to the medication, signs may include facial swelling, hives, scratching, sudden onset of diarrhea, vomiting, shock, seizures, pale gums, cold limbs, or coma. If you observe any of these signs, contact your veterinarian immediately.

How is it stored?
Store at room temperature in a tight, light resistant, childproof container. Keep out of reach of children and pets.

What should I do if I know of or suspect there has been an overdose?
If overdose should occur, you may see a loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, dark or tarry stools, bloody stools, increased thirst, increased urination, pale gums, jaundice (yellowing of gums, skin, or eyes), lethargy, increased respiration (fast or heavy breathing), incoordination, seizures, or behavioral changes. An overdose or toxicity could be fatal. If you know or suspect your pet has had an overdose, or if you observe any of these signs, contact your veterinarian immediately.

What should I avoid when giving my pet Metacam?
Consult your veterinarian before using Metacam with any other medications, including vitamins and supplements, other NSAIDs (e.g., aspirin, etodolac (EtoGesic), deracoxib (Deramaxx), tepoxalin (Zubrin), firocoxib (Previcox), carprofen (Novox, Rimadyl)); steroids (e.g., prednisone, prednisolone, dexamethasone, Medrol, triamcinolone); or methotrexate, oral anticoagulants (heparin, warfarin), phenylpropanolamine, ACE inhibitors (certain heart medications such as enalapril), and phenobarbital, since interactions may occur.

Where is more information available?
Ask your veterinarian, consult with one of our pharmacists at 1-800-447-3021, or see the Patient Information Sheet on this medication. For technical assistance or to report suspected adverse reactions, call the manufacturer, Boehringer Ingelheim, at 1-866-638-2226.